Connie Byars serves as the Math Coach for grades K–6 at Tharptown Elementary School and has been part of the TES community since 2008. She holds a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Connie is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and Tennessee Technological University. Before becoming a math coach, she taught math in both 2nd and 6th grade and also gained valuable professional experience managing a Trust Tax Department in Birmingham. She is an Accomplishing Math Coach through AMSTI and has received extensive training in a variety of math instructional strategies. Connie’s passion for mathematics inspired her to pursue a career in education. She believes that every student can learn and that there are often multiple ways to approach and solve a problem. As a resident of the Tharptown community, she appreciates the close-knit atmosphere of a small school and enjoys supporting both students and teachers in strengthening their understanding of math. Connie enjoys her work as a math coach and is proud to be part of the TES team. Outside of school, she and her husband, Stratt, the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner, have three children and two grandchildren.

Cassie Reed serves as the Reading Coach at Tharptown Elementary School and has been part of the TES community since 2017. She began her teaching career in 2008 and brings 17 years of classroom experience across multiple grade levels, including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. Cassie holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Education in Elementary Education, and an Education Specialist degree in Elementary Education. She is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and the University of West Alabama. In addition to her classroom experience, she has served in roles involving intervention, coaching, and leadership, and previously worked as the head softball coach at Vina High School. Cassie believes that literacy is the foundation of lifelong learning and is passionate about helping students become confident and capable readers. Guided by the Science of Reading, she focuses on evidence-based and data-driven instruction that supports students’ individual needs while strengthening foundational skills, comprehension, and critical thinking. She values collaboration with teachers and families to ensure students receive strong literacy support. A graduate of Russellville High School, Cassie enjoys being part of the local community and appreciates the positive and supportive environment at Tharptown Elementary. She is involved with the school’s PTO and is married to Hunter Reed. Together they have three sons - Hayes, Wes, and Colt - who attend TES and are active in many school sports. Cassie is grateful to be part of the TES family and welcomes families to reach out if they ever have questions about reading.